DEI Newsletter

With recent changes from the Trump administration, DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion — has been a big topic of conversation. Find out how it affects New Hampshire below.

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Black History, DEI, and the silence we can’t afford: “Ma, why do I only see things that mention Black people in February?” my son asked. Movies with Black characters were popping up on Amazon Prime and Netflix – “Roots” caught his attention. My son, the youngest of my four kids, is 12. He’s so laid back but notices and pays attention to everything around him. I told him the truth: Schools, workplaces and society at large still treat Black history as a seasonal event rather than the foundation of American history. And now, with diversity, equity and inclusion programs being rolled back, it’s clear that some people would rather erase progress than embrace it. 

What the Trump administration’s assault on DEI means for Granite Staters: In January, the Trump administration began efforts to remove and minimize DEI initiatives in federally funded workplaces, schools and athletics. Across the country, businesses and organizations are removing their DEI offices and programs. Here to talk about what this means for Granite Staters is Anthony Poore, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.

February '25 Newsletter

Whether you’re buying or renting a home, New Hampshire’s housing crisis affects you. Learn more by checking out the two articles below.

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Who is buying all the homes in New Hampshire? First-time homebuyers and others who are earning the average wage in New Hampshire and are hoping to buy a home have essentially been shut out of the housing market — and have been for several years, with apparently no end in sight to their plight.

New Hampshire housing agencies, developers fear derailment of progress under Trump: Organizations and individuals involved in addressing New Hampshire’s housing crisis say the new administration’s move to freeze federal grants and loans have put already planned affordable housing projects in bureaucratic purgatory.

January '25 Newsletter

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

An uneasy 2025?

New Hampshire’s nonprofits are not simply organizations that do good works.They are a critical part of the state’s infrastructure in providing direct, essential services —the backbone of the safety net. But heading into 2025, there’s concern in the sector as demand for services increase amid higher costs, decreased giving, shrinking state budgets and uncertainties surrounding the incoming administration in Washington.

Looking back and ahead

2024 was a year of  many firsts and a bit of deja vu.  As they biddbye to 2024, three New Hampshire journalists took a look back at some of the major stories and issues that dominated headlines and offered forecasts for what 2025 may hold.

December '24 Newsletter

As we leave the election in November and move into full winter mode make sure you know what to expect going forward. Below find an article talking about the reaction from health clinics after the election as well as two “The State We’re In” episodes focusing on winter’s impact on New Hampshire.

Remember, we hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Amid political anxiety, providers see uptick in requests for long-acting birth control: Health clinics around New Hampshire have been fielding increased demand for long-acting and permanent birth control options since the presidential election, amid fears that the new administration might curtail access to or insurance coverage of contraception.

Read Kelly Burch’s article here!

Winter tourism in New Hampshire

The ski industry’s continued impact on New Hampshire’s economy: Every year about 2.8 million people visit the ski areas of New Hampshire — and most of those people come from out of state. They spend an estimated $384 million, generating thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions more in economic impact. That’s why the winter season is an important one for the state, especially for the northern and western areas. On this episode of “The State We’re In,” host Melanie Plenda talks with Jessyca Keeler, president of Ski New Hampshire about the outlook for the season and what’s new in New Hampshire ski areas.

Winter tourism in New Hampshire: a ‘small but mighty’ economic driver: There are plenty of fun things to do in New Hampshire all year long. And when you do them, you not only entertain yourself and your friends and family, but also help the New Hampshire economy. Tourism is one of the biggest economic drivers in New Hampshire, with an estimated $1.5 billion impact on the New Hampshire economy every winter. Here to discuss that is Commissioner Taylor Caswell, who heads the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

November '24 Newsletter

Updated minimum education standards, the election’s impact, natural disaster relief preparation, and more — all of it reported by the Granite State News Collaborative over the past month. We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street —your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Beyond the ballot: Understanding the election’s impact: For the last few months, we were all caught up in election campaigns at both the state and federal levels. But now the election is over, and we know who won and who lost, what do the results mean and what can we expect in the coming months?

Revised education standards

Joint Legislative Committee revises education minimum standards on a 6-4 vote: Controversial updates to minimum standards for New Hampshire’s public schools were passed by the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, known as JLCAR. Approval came on a 6-4 vote.

New Hampshire towns bear much of the price tag while adapting to climate disasters: As storms increase in frequency and intensity, municipalities across New Hampshire often find themselves recovering and rebuilding from past disasters while coping with the costs and reality of planning for and trying to mitigate future ones.

Withheld child support

NH kept $4.8 million in child support from the state’s poorest families last year. Officials say there’s ‘support’ to change that, but no action so far: Last year, New Hampshire retained more than $4.8 million in child support from about 13,000 Granite State families who are receiving cash assistance from the state, or have received it in the past. Although withholding the money aligns with federal law, policy experts say retaining child support to cover state costs has a negative impact on families and makes it less likely that a parent will pay court-ordered child support.

New Hampshire community TV stations scramble for funding as revenue source continues to shrink: Public access television stations across New Hampshire face growing uncertainty as their funding declines, forcing stations to seek new sources of revenue to support community television.  

The evolution of Black Friday: A conversation with N.H. Retail Association President Curtis Picard: The day after Thanksgiving has long been a huge shopping day, especially in sales tax-free New Hampshire. But does Black Friday remain the shopping extravaganza it was?

October '24 Newsletter

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Get ready for Election Day

Make sure you are all prepared for Election Day by checking out our online Know Your Vote Youth Voter Guide. Here’s a sample of some of the newest articles, but there are plenty more at Know Your Vote!

Recognizing

misinformation

How to avoid misinformation around the elections: David Scanlan has served as New Hampshire secretary of state since January 2022. In that job, he oversees all aspects of state elections. Read what he has to say about misinformation in elections here.

Snapshots of the candidates’ views

Take a look at these infographics to get a quick idea about the stances of the main runners in the gubernatorial and congressional races.

Exploring key issues

Learn about the conversations surrounding transgender rights, marijuana, climate change, reproductive rights and affordable housing in New Hampshire. Discover what New Hampshire has done in the past and what it may be doing in the future when it comes to these subjects.

3 hot topics

Goodlander, Tang Williams debate housing, taxes, gun safety in Concord: The candidates competing in New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District offered different visions for the nation’s economic and foreign policy, while they appeared to find common ground on solutions to a nationwide lack of housing in a debate at the NHPR studios in Concord Monday afternoon.

Election Day with ‘The State We’re In’

Firing Line Special

How the ‘Counting the Vote’ special on PBS debunks concerns about the election process: “The State We’re In” host Melanie Plenda talks with Margaret Hoover, host of PBS’s “Firing Line” about the show’s recent one-hour special, “Counting the Vote.”  It contains fascinating sections about election procedures and all things that, perhaps in the past, people didn't think about much, but today have become embroiled in controversy.

Vote directly

How to learn about local candidates for office, the people who can impact you directly: While national or statewide candidates get lots of coverage, and voters likely know their stances on the issues, local candidates are often unfamiliar to voters. But local politics directly touches our daily lives and families. Who is making policies and how do we choose them? In New Hampshire, that can be a daunting process, thanks to the large citizen legislature. However, there are tools out there to help research the candidates and decide who meets your needs and priorities. On a recent episode of “The State We’re In,” Anna Brown, executive director of Citizens Count, discusses these tools.

September '24 Newsletter

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

The Granite State News Collaborative and its partners have launched the Know Your Vote Youth Voter Guide Initiative. The project is being designed, reported and produced by student and young professional journalists from The Clock at Plymouth State University, the Concord Monitor, The Equinox at Keene State College, GSNC, The Laconia Daily Sun, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript, The New Hampshire at the University of New Hampshire and The Presidency and the Press program at Franklin Pierce University.

The goal of the guide is to help clarify the voting process as well as provide trusted, vetted, nonpartisan information on candidate positions. and issues most salient to young voters as they make their decisions this fall.

The articles are released on GSNC’s website, its local news partners, and social media.

We want this to be a reference for you during this election season.

Do you have any questions for candidates? Let us know by filling out our survey  so that we can help get answers before Election Day!

NEW The State We’re In

Improving small-town life

How Radically Rural brings communities together to share ideas: The popular Radically Rural summit grew out of a desire to connect people who are passionate about small-town life with those who are pioneering interesting solutions to common problems. The summit — held every year in Keene — returns Sept. 24, with a new slate of sessions and solutions. Here to discuss what’s in store for this year's conference is Radically Rural Director Julianna Dodson.

Post-primary push

Anna Brown discusses the road to the November general election: The 2024 primary election in the Granite State is over, and candidates are now stumping for the November general election. On this episode of “The State We’re In,” Melanie Plenda discusses vetting candidates and the New Hampshire political scene with Anna Brown, director of Citizens Count, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating voters about the political process.

New GSNC Stories

Youth Council

The legacy and impact of Nashua's The Youth Council: This is another installment in Nashua Nonprofit Spotlight Series! On June 30, The Youth Council of Nashua permanently closed its doors after 50 years of serving as a resource for school-aged minors, but other local organizations have stepped in to fill the gap.

EFA Audit

Audit of N.H. school voucher program to begin, but key information will be off limits: Sometime next spring, the public will get to see a performance audit of the N.H. Department of Education’s oversight of the Education Freedom Account program, which gives millions of tax dollars to eligible families to spend on private, parochial and home school expenses. But “most documents pertaining” to the program won’t be available to the auditors.

August '24 Newsletter

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

New stories from our Competency-Based Learning series

Halfway there

State Board of Education gets halfway through updating its minimum standards for schools: The N.H. Board of Education voted Wednesday morning to approve the first half of a new set of minimum standards for schools, a document which has gone through several rewrites and drawn sharp criticism from educators and the public.

Waiting for approval

With deadline looming, debate and concern over school minimum standards continue: With a September deadline looming, the State Board of Education has not even begun considering the “back half” of the document after only recently approving the first half.

New GSNC Stories

The demise of work release programs in New Hampshire jails

COVID and changes in incarceration rates have led to phaseout of programs, but they’re still operating at state prisons: Work release programs have been phased out at New Hampshire's county jails, the result of a shift in the criminal justice system that has reduced the number of eligible prisoners. As incarceration rates for lower-level offenses have dwindled, jails lack the numbers of inmates needed to continue their work release programs.

Who’s checking?

Lack of audit for state’s Education Freedom Account program raises concerns. Despite law requiring legislative review, Department of Education has erected roadblocks: New Hampshire legislators and public education advocates say they’re increasingly concerned that financial information about the state’s Education Freedom Account program is being hidden from public view. Since its inception in 2021, the taxpayer-funded voucher-like program has distributed $44,918,979 to families sending their children to private schools and other alternatives to their local public schools.

Dispute over a chokehold

State Corrections Department appeals reinstatement of officer in use-of-force case; Commissioner objects to finding on alleged use of chokehold: The N.H. Department of Corrections is asking the state Supreme Court to order a new hearing after an appeals board ordered reinstatement of a corrections officer. The officer was fired for allegedly using excessive force on a cuffed and shackled inmate who said he was suicidal. The corrections department contends the Personnel Appeals Board erred when it denied it a full evidentiary hearing in the termination of Lt. Thomas Macholl.

A new youth-specific voter information project by the Granite State News Collaborative and its partners is launching today. The initiative, Know Your Vote, was inspired by the Baltimore Beat’s Youth Voter Guide and aims to educate New Hampshire’s voters under 29 ahead of the 2024 elections.

It will feature online and social media content reported and produced by student and young professional journalists that will be available across the online and social platforms of the Granite State News Collaborative and its partners.

To kick off the project, we are asking young voters to complete a survey (also available in Spanish). Reporters will use the survey results as the basis for the articles included in the guide.The articles will be released throughout the summer and fall through GSNC’s website, its local news partners and social media. The hope is that the guide will be something young voters can use and refer to often in the lead up to the elections.

Special NH Gives Newsletter

Dear Community Members,

The Granite State News Collaborative is dedicated to creating a well-informed and empowered New Hampshire. We face a challenging media landscape, and to overcome this, over 20 respected local news, educational, and community organizations have joined forces.

Our mission is to ensure that reliable news reaches every corner of New Hampshire. Through our collaborative approach, we are filling gaps left by shrinking newsrooms, providing comprehensive coverage on critical issues such as local policy, health, education, equity, and climate change.

Your generous support makes this possible. By donating to the Granite State News Collaborative, you help us expand our impact and continue serving our communities with in-depth, reliable news.

Below, you can see what we’ve been able to accomplish this year already because of generous support from community members like you.

Together, we are making a tangible difference. Join us in continuing to ensure that our communities stay informed and empowered. Your contribution matters.

With gratitude,

The Granite State News Collaborative


Donate to NH Gives Today!

New GSNC Stories

Portrait of a graduate

N.H. schools go beyond academics to prepare students for the future: Earlier this year at Franklin High School, a group of cheerleaders got together to present their physics project using cheerleading and stunting to demonstrate principles of the science. Read the article to learn more about Franklin High School’s adoption of “portrait of a graduate”.

 

Vocal opponents

Public comments on minimum ed standards revision are overwhelmingly in opposition: The N.H. Department of Education’s proposed update of minimum standards for public education is drawing significant backlash from the public, at least according to the overwhelming response against them contained in over 200 written comments sent to the department. Read the article to learn more about the minimum standards update.

Environmental Justice Series

A period of transition

Debate over Nashua asphalt plant is a ‘classic case’ of environmental justice: Last June, neighbors in Nashua celebrated an environmental victory: City officials had rejected a proposal to build a hot-mix asphalt plant in the city’s North End, a neighborhood that historically had been a mix of industrial and residential. Read the article to learn how the “transitioning nature of the neighborhood” toward residential was cause for rejection by the Nashua Planning Board.

Healing through housing

Housing is one way to improve health, and life in general: New Hampshire’s housing crisis is about a lot more than having a roof over your head. It also involves economic growth, job creation and tax revenue. And now, a new awareness is developing: the profound impact of housing on well-being and health care. Read the article to learn more about the impact housing can have on a person’s well-being.

Transportation transformation

Breaking barriers: New state plan aims to improve public transit and cut emissions: It’s no secret that rural America is lacking in public transportation systems, which inhibits many people trying to build a successful life. Public transportation can also aid in improving the climate crisis due to emissions. Learn about the N.H. Department of Environmental Services' new Priority Climate Action Plan.

Partner Podcasts

Banning food waste

From landfills to sustainability: How New Hampshire’s food waste ban can reduce methane: On this episode of “The State We’re In,” Michael McCord, a freelance reporter for Granite State News Collaborative who recently has written about the topic,  Paige Wilson, waste reduction and diversion planner for the N.H. Department of Environmental Services, and Reagan Bissonnette, executive director of Northeast Resource Recovery Association, discuss how New Hampshire own version of a food waste ban will work and how it might benefit the average resident.

Gun-buying privacy?

Should NH ban a credit card category for firearms purchases?: As more of our world moves online, more policy debates center on how businesses collect and use our personal data. The debate over gun laws is no exception. This year the New Hampshire Legislature passed a bill blocking credit card companies from implementing a code for firearms purchases.

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns my email is always open caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

June '24 Newsletter

Created by Caitlin Agnew.

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Wheels to Work in idle

Wheels to Work program remains in limbo in New Hampshire: Since 2017, initiative that provides used cars to low-income families has failed to win state support for funding: On Feb. 1, early in the 2024 legislative session, the N.H. House of Representatives rejected House Bill 1520 by a slim 193-184 vote. The bill was aimed at reviving the state’s long-dormant Wheels to Work initiative.

Partner Podcasts

Legislature 2025

Gone but not forgotten: these bills will probably come back in 2025: Summer vacation isn’t just for kids and teachers; the New Hampshire Legislature is also nearing its summer break. Most of the legislative action is over until the fall, when lawmakers will begin proposing a new round of bills. That makes now a good time to look back on some proposals that had a lot of buzz this year but didn’t make it to the finish line (Gov. Sununu’s desk). If the past is any sign of the future, this article won’t just be a retrospective, but a preview of coming attractions.

Juneteenth in N.H.

NH community leaders share perspectives and hopes around Juneteenth: On this episode of “The State We’re In,” Melanie Plenda talks with JerriAnne Boggis, executive director of the , Black Heritage Trail New Hampshire; Dwight Davis, owner of Senior Helpers of Southern NH and past president of Black Heritage Trail NH and a former college and NBA basketball star; and James McKim, NAACP Manchester branch president and managing partner at Organizational Ignition LLC, to learn what Juneteenth, the newly recognized federal holiday and day of observance in New Hampshire, is all about.

Homlessness: a mounting crisis

Addressing the heightened urgency of New Hampshire’s homelessness crisis: The median cost for a two-bedroom apartment in New Hampshire is about $1,584. To afford it, someone would have to earn about $31 an hour. With the minimum wage at  $7.25 an hour, someone working 168 hours a week — every hour of every day — could not afford the rent. To kick off an occasional series on homelessness, Melanie Plenda talks with Jennifer Chisholm, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness, about the problems and solutions related to homelessness in New Hampshire.

 
 
 
 

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns my email is always open caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

May '24 Newsletter

Graphic by Caitlin Agnew.

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

New installments in our competency-based learning series

Minimum standard revisions and the Constitution

Lawyers and lawmakers assert the Department of Education is on the verge of violating the law: New Hampshire’s state funding of public schools is the lowest in the nation, despite the state Constitution requiring the state government to finance an adequate education for every child. Now, the N.H. Department of Education is updating its minimum standards for public schools, a process that occurs once every decade, and lawyers and educators assert that the department’s revised minimum standards will reduce funding even further. The revisions, they say, water down the requirements for an adequate education and shift even more responsibility onto local taxpayers to fund public schools.

Ed commissioner grilled by skeptics

For the first time, education commissioner speaks publicly about minimum standards revision, but he faces skepticism: MANCHESTER—After an hour-long public conversation with the commissioner of the N.H.  Department of Education, school board members in Manchester – the state’s largest school district–  remained frustrated by a lack of clear answers and unconvinced that proposed revisions to the state’s minimum standards for public schools, known as the 306s, will improve education in the Granite state.

Food waste in New Hampshire

The impact: What the science says

A landmark 2023 EPA study laid out over three decades of research about the impact of food waste and its connection to methane emissions. The study is unique in part because, as the EPA acknowledges in its summary, “there is no other peer-reviewed national reference point for the amount of methane emissions attributable to food waste” in American municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills.

Taking on NH’s mounting food waste puzzle

Solving the food waste problem in New Hampshire one step at a time: On Feb. 1, 2025 the first food waste ban that was passed last summer will go into effect in New Hampshire. It is focused on entities that generate as much as one ton of food waste a week. That food waste will be prohibited from being sent to landfills. It’s also a solution that needs a major expansion of infrastructure.

Partner Podcasts

Strengthening local journalism

How Civic Documenters empower communities and strengthen local news coverage: Justin Silverman of the New England First Amendment Coalition, Melanie Plenda of the Granite State News Collaborative and Laura Simoes of the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications are partners in the Civic Documenters program, helping train community members to participate in reporting on local government.

China and land ownership in NH

Should NH ban Chinese companies from buying land in the state? Amidst rising concerns over Chinese espionage, American lawmakers are advocating for strict measures, including prohibiting Chinese companies from purchasing land near military installations and critical infrastructure. In New Hampshire, a bill has swiftly passed through Senate but state representatives have concerns.

Seawall Breakdown

Navigating Climate Challenges: State Takes Action to Protect Scenic Route 1A from Flooding: On this episode of The State We’re In, Melanie Plenda discusses Route 1A and the plans to improve the seawalls with Department of Transportation Commissioner Bill Cass, Assistant Director of Development Tobey Reynolds and the agency’s administrator of the Bureau of Environment, Kevin Nyhan.

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns my email is always open caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

April '24 Newsletter

Photo editing by Caitlin Agnew.

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute looks at poverty and food insecurity,  state revenues

State Revenues Slip Behind Expectations in March Ahead of Key April Tax Returns: State revenues collected during March fell short of the amount planned to fund the State Budget, reducing the current revenue surplus in two key funds and making the upcoming April tax returns more critical for understanding the trajectory of State tax collections.

 

Poverty and food insecurity rebounding after expiration of federal aid: With nearly 100,000 New Hampshire residents living in poverty, or approximately 1 out of every 14 in the state, recent inflation and the end of federal assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting the ability of many Granite Staters to afford basic necessities, including food. For individuals and families with very low incomes, poverty and food insecurity are interrelated challenges that threaten long-term well-being, particularly for children.

Poverty and Food Insecurity in New Hampshire During and Following the COVID-19 Crisis: Poverty and food insecurity are interrelated challenges for many individuals and families in New Hampshire. Research suggests a strong relationship between poverty and food insecurity, both of which rose following the Great Recession of 2007-2009 nationally and in New Hampshire. The COVID-19 pandemic also significantly increased the risk that more people would face poverty and food insecurity. However, the federal policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced poverty and food insecurity, nationwide and in the Granite State. Early data suggests the expiration of key policies in response to the pandemic has led to a rebound in both of these hardships

New GSNC Stories

Low-emission vehicles in N.H.

New Hampshire lags behind other states in dealing with greenhouse gases from vehicles: Emissions from motor vehicles are the single largest source of greenhouse emissions in New Hampshire, according to the 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan. Learn more about NH’s history with low-emission vehicle standards.

Dartmouth junior shines: Beatrice Burack's skiing series captivates New Hampshire: Beatrice Burack, a junior at Dartmouth College, wrote a five-part series about skiing in New Hampshire, from how it was once the capital of alpine skiing in North America to the present state of skiing in low-snow winters as well as a peek into what the future might bring. Learn more about skiing and climate change

Rights for the accused

Do NH colleges and universities need a due process law?: Many of the debates around campus sexual assault in New Hampshire have focused on protecting victims and punishing perpetrators, but state Rep. Bob Lynn (R-Windham) is concerned about the rights of the accused. Learn more about the New Hampshire House of Representatives debate on a bill that would require detailed due process rights for students, faculty, and student organizations accused of misconduct at public colleges and universities.

Success stories emerge as New Hampshire communities innovate housing crisis solutions: Judi Currie discusses New Hampshire's housing landscape with Nick Taylor, executive director of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast, Rob Taylor, land use and community development administrator for the town of Enfield, and Donna Benton, director of planning and community development in Dover.

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns my email is always open caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

March '24 Newsletter

Graphic created by Caitlin Agnew. Utilization of Adobe Stock.

We hope this newsletter is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Additions to Competency Based Learning Series

'No Grades’ Failure

New Hampshire schools experimented with a radical approach to competency-based education. The failure of the pilot mirrors current concerns over revisions in state minimum standards.: The ‘No Grades No Grades’ pilot ended grade levels and letter grade scores in select schools, but none of the schools have continued that approach due to a lack of leadership, professional development, and funding. 

Mixed-Age Learning Barriers

Mixed-age learning is a tenent of competency-based education: Parent perceptions, hesitant teachers, and scheduling challenges are all barriers to mixed-age learning, according to educators who have tried it. 

Recent GSNC Stories

NH Alerts Unveiled

State launches NH Alerts, a new, ‘more efficient’ emergency notification system: The state of New Hampshire recently unveiled NH Alerts, a new emergency notification designed to warn people about emergencies — among them, tornadoes, floods, power outages and gas leaks. Learn more about this new service by clicking the button below!

Cultural Barriers and Mental Health

Language barrier, lack of providers limit access to mental health services in the Hispanic community: According to a 2021 report from the Centers for Disease Control, over 40% of Latino adults reported psychological stress, with almost 23% reporting suicidal thoughts. Learn about how language or cultural barriers can amplify everyday stress by clicking the button below.

Asphalt Plant Dispute

Company whose proposed asphalt plant was rejected by Nashua fights on in court: A Nashua company whose proposal to build an asphalt plant in one of the city’s oldest industrial districts was rejected last year by the Planning Board is persisting in its battle in Hillsborough County Superior Court.

 

Partner Podcasts

Penalties for Overserving

Should restaurants, bars face stiffer penalties for overserving alcohol?: If a customer drives drunk and hurts someone, the business that served them may face a fine and a suspended alcohol license. To some victim advocates, however, these penalties do not go far enough. This year a New Hampshire family is working with legislators to raise the stakes for bars and restaurants overserving alcohol.

Creating coverage

How Melanie Plenda and Carol Robidoux came together to bring news to Nashua: On this episode of Granite Beat, hosts Julie Hart and Adam Drapcho talk with Melanie Plenda, executive director of the Granite State News Collaborative, and Carol Robidoux, founder and editor of Manchester Ink Link and Nashua Ink Link, New Hampshire's newest outlet, created with the help of the collaborative.

Poverty & Food Insecurity

Empowering the next generation: Inside the journey of New Hampshire's youngest lawmakers: What's it like to be two of the youngest politicians at the State House? Twenty-year-old Democrat Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough and 19-year-old Republican Valerie McDonnell of Salem are the youngest state representatives in the N.H. House. Learn about their journey and experiences by clicking the button below!

 

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns my email is always open caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

February ‘24 Newsletter

Credit: Caitlin Agnew

Welcome to Granite State News Collaborative’s February newsletter. Our goal is to highlight current work within the Collaborative and foster communication between us. Below you can find a recent article about the New Hampshire presidential primary, the latest installment in our Competency-Based Learning Series and stories about the Collaborative’s newest collaboration.

We hope this is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

THE STATE WE’RE IN: CHALLENGES FACED, LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE 2024 NH PRIMARY

The first-in-the-nation New Hampshire presidential primary can always be challenging under normal circumstances. But this year, there were many firsts for election workers during the run-up to voting at the polls. On a recent episode of The State We’re In, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan discussed what it's like to navigate and overcome challenges as well as what lessons we might have learned from them during this year's primary.

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST COLLABORATION WITH NASHUA INK LINK

Granite State News Collaborative has a new partnership with Nashua Ink Link. Make sure to check out their website to keep up to date on on Nashua news and get to  know reporter and Rivier University graduate Mya Blanchard.

COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING SERIES: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PRODUCES AN UNEXPECTED DOCUMENT

After spending $75,000 to hire expert consultants to draft a revision to the state’s minimum standards for public schools, the Department of Education decided to move forward with its own set of revisions. That document, introduced during a recent meeting of the State Board of Education, looks unfamiliar to the contractors who have been working for more than three years on updating the state’s standards as well as education advocates who have been following the process closely.

January ‘24 Newsletter

Created by Caitlin Agnew

Welcome to the Granite State News Collaborative’s January newsletter! Our goal is to highlight current work produced by the Collaborative and its partners and foster communication between us. Below you can find new stories in our Competency- Based Learning series, the newest The State We’re In episode, and a three-part series, “Opioids in New Hampshire” by Anthony Payton.

We hope this is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

EDUCATORS: DISTRUST AND LACK OF TRANSPARENCY CLOUD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT BENEFITS OF COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING

New Hampshire is nearing the end of a more than three-year effort to revamp the state’s core educational standards. When approved early next year, these new rules will steer the course of public education for at least the next decade. In this continuing series of stories, the Granite State New Collaborative will explore what those changes are, how they came about and what they mean for the future of public education in the Granite State. Also, check out the Granite Beat podcast where Kelly Burch and Philip Kincade talk more about their journey in this series.

ELECTION INFORMATION!

With the presidential primary over, the Granite State News Collaborative is still working to provide as much information about the election process before the next state primaries and, eventually, the general election in November. In collaboration with New Hampshire Public Radio and New Hampshire Public Broadcasting, the series, What to Expect When You’re Electing, or Ya Es Tiempo, will cover a range of topics, including the electoral timeline, the role of primaries  and the broader electoral framework. The goal is to equip voters with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.

OPIOIDS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

For the last decade, New Hampshire has found itself in the middle of an opioid crisis, one that can often seem never-ending. While there has been much press coverage, both in the state and nationally, about New Hampshire’s plight, this series aims to look at it differently, from the perspective of individuals most affected by it — users, their families, and frontline healthcare workers, all of whom live the crisis every day.

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance assistant editor at GSNC, my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, my email is always open: caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

November ‘23 Newsletter

Credit, Caitlin Agnew for Granite State News Collaborative

Before you dive into today’s newsletter, we want to let you know that it’s an exciting time  here at The Granite State News Collaborative! We’re in the midst of our NewsMatch campaign — one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Our reporters work tirelessly to produce journalism that you can count on, all year long. This is essential work, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of folks like you. 

Now — through December 31 —NewsMatch will match your new monthly donation 12 times or double your one-time gift, all up to $1,000. 

Stronger and well informed communities begin with you.

 If you believe in the work we’re doing, please give today.

NASHUA MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT ‘ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET’

The $130 million project to remodel two of Nashua’s middle schools and build a new one is nearing completion, learn about each project in Justin Campfield’s article.

NAVIGATING THE GUN CONTROL DEBATE: THE IMPACT OF RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS ON GUN LAWS

Just a few miles from our border in a state very similar to ours, a gunman walked into two businesses and killed 18 people. Learn from Anna Brown, director of research and analysis for Citizens Count, about what happened in Maine and what can be done, if anything, to prevent something similar from happening here.

EMPOWERING SENIORS: CHERYL STEINBERG, DIRECTOR OF THE JUSTICE IN AGING PROJECT, DISCUSSES FREE LEGAL SERVICES  FOR GRANITE STATERS AGE 60+

Shane Cooper talks with Cheryl Steinberg, director of the Justice in Aging Project for New Hampshire Legal Assistance. They discuss the project and the free legal services available to Granite Staters who are 60 years of age or older.

CANDIDATE FORUM

The Granite State News Collaborative partners will hold a series of forums with presidential primary candidates to explore in-depth the issues that impact New Hampshire voters. Each forum will be co-hosted by a rotating pair of journalists from newsrooms across New Hampshire.

Caitlin Agnew, Assistant Editor

My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns my email is always open caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

October ‘23 Newsletter

Maddie Geier, Granite State News Collaborative

Caitlin Agnew. Assistant Editor.

I am delighted to welcome you to the Granite State News Collaborative's newsletter. My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us.

Here, you'll find the latest news about our ongoing activities, stories and projects. But we hope this is not just a one-way street - your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on our stories and projects as well as other topics that pique your interest.

Researchers at University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension are developing a five-year plan aimed at closing the state's digital divide by increasing statewide access to internet, digital literacy education, digital devices and training, among other goals.

This three-part series looks at the ongoing debate over the benefits of expected changes to state learning standards that will steer the course of public education in New Hampshire for at least the next decade.

On this episode of “Get Tech Smart,” Flo Nicolas talks with Joshua Cyr, Interim Director at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul Entrepreneurship Center, about Blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, digital wallets and more.

Shane Cooper talks with Chris Schott, director of the Fair Housing Project at New Hampshire Legal Assistance, to discuss the Fair Housing Act, what the various categories of discrimination are under the law and how to utilize it.

University of New Hampshire graduate students Shantel Palacio and Nathan Harris expected that their fellow students would be eager to discuss societal issues impacting education, even those that are controversial or sensitive. But that's not what they encountered.

The latest installment of “Beyond the Border: A Critical Dialogue Series" is taking place at 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 23 at the University of New Hampshire. The topic, “Dark Matter, Justice Reform and Redemption,” will feature Marlon Peterson, author of “Bird Uncaged: An Abolitionist Freedom Song.”

Remember, your feedback fuels our commitment to delivering meaningful content that resonates with our incredible community. Feel free to drop us a line at caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org - we're all ears!

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family.

 September ‘23 Newsletter

Credit, Maddie Geier for Granite State News Collaborative

Caitlin Agnew. Assistant Editor.

I am delighted to welcome you to the Granite State News Collaborative's newsletter. My name is Caitlin Agnew, and as a freelance Assistant Editor at GSNC, my mission is clear: to foster enhanced communication between us.

Here, you'll find an array of insights into our ongoing activities, thought-provoking stories, and exciting projects. But it's not just a one-way street – your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to hear your thoughts on the stories we bring to life, the projects we're diligently working on, and the topics that pique your curiosity.

Throughout this newsletter, you'll discover handy links that lead to deeper dives into our stories and projects. Plus, we've provided spaces for you to voice your ideas and opinions on specific subjects or initiatives we're passionate about.

Your input matters greatly to us, and we encourage you to reach out. Feel free to drop us a line at the email address below – we're all ears! Your feedback fuels our commitment to delivering meaningful content that resonates with our incredible community.

Email us at: caitlin.agnew@collaborativenh.org

Thank you for being part of the Granite State News Collaborative family. Your engagement enriches the conversation, and together, we can build stronger, more connected communities.

GOT SEAWEED? - Along the shores at Odiorne State Park, sparkling tide pools and gray boulders provide the perfect environment for Gabby Bradt, a marine biologist and fisheries specialist at the New Hampshire Sea Grant, to forage for  yellow-green tendrils of Rockweed, a seaweed also known as Bladderwrack. Bradt is working to expand the public’s understanding of the roles seaweed can play in our lives, as seafood production declines due to climate change.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FOOD BANK FIGHTS NEW OBSTACLES TO FOOD SECURITY - For food insecure state residents, the New Hampshire Food Bank is more than “worth it” — it is a lifeline. But lately, food has not been flowing so freely for this nonprofit organization. A perfect storm of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine have fueled food price hikes that have impacted the organization. But a still larger threat looms on the horizon for those laboring to bring nutrition to the food insecure: climate change.

The State We’re In - Melanie Plenda talks with University of New Hampshire grad students, Shantel Palacio, and Nathan Harris, founders of Beyond the Border, a critical dialogue series, and James Rinker, Digital Community Engagement Journalist for The Keene Sentinel, and part of the current cohort of the solutions journalism networks Complicating the Narrative Fellowship, to find out what it takes to have a respectful conversation on a sensitive topic without resorting to shouting and personal attacks.

Granite Justice Podcast - Far too often, people don’t know that when they are facing a problem – like a landlord who won’t give back a security deposit, or a denial of a program like food stamps – that they have legal rights, and there are ways to advocate for those rights in the civil legal system. Granite Justice: conversations about the civil legal system with Shane Cooper, an Associate Dean at UNH Franklin Pierce, aims to provide a road map of sorts. By the end of an episode, we hope more people will recognize and understand that if they are facing a civil legal problem, you can ask yourself ”Do I have any rights here?” and “What do I do now?” This podcast will help you navigate some of those questions.

The State We’re In - Even with the advancement of science, space has always been a fascination for many humans and this fall and spring residents of New Hampshire will get an opportunity to experience two solar eclipses. On this episode of The State We’re In, Associate Professors from University of New Hampshire , Amy Keesee and John S. Gianforte, also the director of the UNH Observatory, and Lori Harnois, Director of Division of Travel and Tourism Development discuss two important events coming up: a partial solar eclipse in October and a total solar eclipse in April.

A look at our last year of coverage focused on race and equity

A look at our last year of coverage focused on race and equity

This month marks one year since the Collaborative embarked on its race and equity reporting project. In the last year, we have published numerous in-depth stories and series on issues relating to education, policing, environmental justice and civic engagement, and how certain policies or practices within these areas impact people of color and create or reinforce inequities. Much of our reporting has also looked at the solutions that communities are trying to address such inequities, and whether these solutions are working.

Discriminatory lending, a new system to deal with mental health crises and a look at NH's town meeting tradition

Discriminatory lending, a new system to deal with mental health crises and a look at NH's town meeting tradition

Elected leaders and city officials have reached out to our reporters and editors about the issue as some re-zoning efforts begin. And we've received a lot of reader feedback on the series, which is ongoing.
Our latest story in the series examines how discriminatory lending practices persist in New Hampshire, creating obstacles to home ownership for non-white residents.